EXECUTIVE CHEF - Bar Harbor, ME

Compass Group; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking an experienced Executive Chef to lead a scratch kitchen in Bar Harbor, ME. This role involves managing daily kitchen operations, developing menus, and ensuring exceptional customer service. The ideal candidate will have a strong culinary background, leadership skills, and a commitment to high-quality dining experiences.

Benefits

Relocation Support

Work-Life Balance

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of progressive culinary management experience.
• Hands-on chef experience required.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily culinary production and ensure food quality.
• Manage department expenses and develop budgets.
• Create 100% resident satisfaction by training team members.

Skills

Culinary Management

Team Leadership

Customer Service

Education

A.S. degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Join to apply for the EXECUTIVE CHEF - Bar Harbor, ME role at Compass Group USA

Salary: $65,000

CCL Hospitality Group

Location: Birch Bay Retirement Village – Bar Harbor, ME

With people as our core and a deep commitment to exceptional hospitality, CCL Hospitality Group has a philosophy rooted in caring for the individuals who care for our guests. Our most significant competitive advantage is our team members. We constantly strive to strengthen our service culture. Every team member knows they matter and owns a stake in our success, delivering hospitality excellence.

Join us and discover how we drive mutual success that leaves lasting impressions. We are seeking an experienced culinary leader to lead our scratch kitchen, bringing fresh, high-quality dining to our residents and guests in beautiful Bar Harbor, Maine.

Why This Role Stands Out:

• Relocation Support – We offer a relocation package to help make your transition to Bar Harbor seamless.
• Lifestyle & Location – Live and work in one of New England’s most stunning coastal towns, home to Acadia National Park, charming downtown shops, and a high quality of life.
• Mission-Driven Setting – Birch Bay is more than a retirement community; it's a place where relationships, wellness, and hospitality are at the center of everything we do.
• Scratch Kitchen Culture – Showcase your creativity in a role that values local sourcing, seasonal flavors, and elevated comfort food.
• Work-Life Balance – Enjoy a more predictable schedule compared to traditional restaurants and hotels.

Job Summary:

An inspirational and organized leader who ensures the overall success of daily kitchen operations, including recruiting, training, and food preparation. The Executive Chef will demonstrate culinary talents through the delivery of show-quality food while developing and empowering onsite staff. The role involves continual improvement of resident, employee, and client satisfaction, while maximizing financial performance by meeting budget, food, and labor costs, and following safety and sanitation protocols.

Leading Culinary Operation:

• Lead daily culinary production, ensuring food quality, presentation, safety, sanitation, team productivity, cost controls, and profitability.
• Determine food presentation and create decorative displays.
• Develop menus based on product availability; create seasonal specials.
• Source fresh ingredients; monitor produce and meat for freshness.
• Maintain product consistency through inspections.
• Research customer preferences and incorporate local foods and flavors into menus.
• Prepare and cook foods for regular service and special events.
• Demonstrate new techniques and equipment to staff.
• Supervise and coordinate food prep activities.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and sanitation standards.
• Provide guidance, set performance standards, and monitor staff performance.
• Communicate safety procedures and ensure understanding.
• Monitor food quality and safety standards.
• Maintain purchasing, receiving, and storage standards.

Business & Financial Acumen:

• Participate in developing and implementing business strategies aligned with the community’s mission.
• Manage department expenses, including food costs, supplies, and equipment.
• Develop purchasing and receiving guidelines.
• Analyze financial data to adjust business plans, labor, and costs.
• Develop and manage the department’s budget, controlling costs to meet objectives.
• Identify revenue and expense opportunities and potential issues.
• Oversee food inventory and purchasing.
• Schedule staff based on forecasted volumes.

Ensuring Exceptional Customer Service:

• Create 100% resident satisfaction by training and empowering team members.
• Maintain a professional attitude and appearance when engaging with residents and staff.
• Improve service by understanding guest needs and providing coaching.
• Support service behaviors that exceed expectations.
• Empower employees to deliver excellent service and provide ongoing training.
• Use resident feedback to improve the department.
• Handle guest complaints effectively.

Team Building and Management:

• Lead regular team meetings.
• Set and review performance, budget, and team goals.
• Gather employee feedback and address concerns.
• Implement strategies to enhance team engagement.
• Ensure fair treatment and training for staff.
• Communicate expectations and provide performance feedback.
• Coach and counsel staff to reach performance goals.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A.S. degree or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive culinary management experience.
• Catering and high-volume foodservice experience preferred.
• Hands-on chef experience required.
• Knowledge of food trends, sanitation, cost controls, and presentation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Internet use.
• ServSafe certification preferred.

Apply to CCL today! CCL is a member of Compass Group USA.